Shawn Huang: Fewer than 20 migrant domestic workers sought mental health help between 2022 and 2024
Fewer than 20 migrant domestic workers sought mental health treatment between 2022 and 2024, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Shawn Huang. He added that their right to access medical care is protected under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, which requires employers to cover all related medical expenses.
- Fewer than 20 migrant domestic workers sought mental health treatment between 2022 and 2024, with no reported legal issues, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary Shawn Huang.
- Employers are required under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act to cover medical expenses, including mental health treatments, or face fines and possible jail time.
- Migrant domestic workers with declared or suspected mental health conditions may undergo further assessments during pre-employment medical screenings.
SINGAPORE: Fewer than 20 migrant domestic workers (MDWs) sought medical assistance at public healthcare institutions, polyclinics, or general practitioners for mental health reasons each year between 2022 and 2024, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Shawn Huang during a Parliament sitting on Wednesday (15 Oct).
Huang added that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had not come across any cases of MDWs encountering legal issues when seeking such assistance.
“MDWs’ legal rights to access medical treatment, including for mental health conditions, are protected under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, which requires employers to cover their MDWs’ medical expenses, including for mental health treatments,” he said.
Employers who deny their MDWs necessary medical treatment may face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. They may also be barred from hiring migrant workers in the future.
Call for Pre-Employment Mental Health Assessments
In a supplementary question, PAP MP Dr Hamid Razak said he had received feedback from the ground that some MDWs had cited mental health issues when seeking secondary employment, or had broken down shortly after starting work despite passing pre-employment assessments.
He asked whether MOM would consider introducing mandatory mental health evaluations as part of the pre-employment medical assessment for MDWs in the future, given the potential burden of mental health challenges.
Declaration and Follow-Up Process
In response, Huang explained that MDWs are currently required to declare any existing mental health conditions during their pre-employment medical examinations.
“Where there is a positive declaration or any suspicion that they have mental health conditions, the attending doctor at the time may recommend further assessments, though with additional costs,” he said.
He added that this approach helps to keep medical tests and costs manageable for employers while ensuring that individuals with potential health conditions can be identified for follow-up care.
Huang also advised employers with concerns about their MDWs’ mental well-being to seek medical advice, noting that doctors may refer such cases to mental health facilities or care professionals when necessary.
Initiatives to Support Migrant Domestic Workers’ Well-Being
In December 2024, the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) — a non-governmental organisation under the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) — signed an agreement with non-profit group Silver Ribbon (Singapore) to strengthen mental well-being support for MDWs.
Through this partnership, both organisations provide free counselling services, mental well-being workshops, and training sessions for employers on how to better support their workers’ mental health.
Migrant domestic workers in need of assistance can call CDE’s 24-hour helpline at 1800 2255 233 or the Migrant Workers’ Centre at 6536 2692.
